RICHLAND, Wash. – A state patrol trooper, Sarah Clasen, has been charged with vehicular homicide following an incident where she allegedly hit and killed 20-year-old Josuar Sanchez. Clasen’s blood alcohol level was reportedly almost double the legal limit.
Last week, Clasen pled not guilty to the charges. The Richland Police Department provided body cam footage related to the case.
Clasen was released on her own recognizance, meaning she did not have to pay bail. She is required to stay in either Washington or Arizona but is not subject to location or vehicle monitoring.
An assistant law professor at the University of Washington provided insight into the conditions of her release.
“Given both the defense attorney kind of having that extra leg up with saying hey they’re here and they’ve been doing fine without any conditions. And also the reputational stuff with being a law enforcement officer and everything that comes with that. It’s not surprising to me that the conditions were pretty lax,” said Professor Garavito
Clasen’s next court date is set for October 22, 2025. This will be an omnibus hearing to finalize the details of the case.
